Lesson 1Complete blood count (CBC): components, clinical significance, and nutritional causes of abnormalitiesExplains CBC parts and their role in oxygen carry, immunity, and clotting. Links low blood counts, large cells, and shortages to iron, B12, folate, and protein status, noting other non-nutrition causes.
Red cell indices and anemia patternsWhite cell count and differential basicsPlatelets and links to nutritionIron, B12, and folate related changesNon-nutritional causes to considerLesson 2Thyroid function tests and other optional tests (TSH, free T4) relevant to weight gain and fatigueCovers thyroid body functions, main tests, and patterns linked to weight gain, tiredness, and feeling cold. Stresses when to request TSH and free T4, optional markers, and effects of illness, drugs, and diet.
Thyroid physiology relevant to nutritionTSH and free T4: indications and limitsPatterns in hypothyroidism and subclinical diseaseDrug, illness, and assay interferencesWhen to refer for endocrine evaluationLesson 3Vitamin B12 and folate testing: serum B12, methylmalonic acid, homocysteine, and functional deficiency indicatorsLooks at serum B12, folate, methylmalonic acid, and homocysteine as signs of vitamin status and functional shortages. Discusses nerve risks, large cells, and suspecting poor absorption or genetic factors.
B12 and folate absorption pathwaysSerum B12 and folate: pros and consMethylmalonic acid and homocysteine useMacrocytosis and neurologic symptomsTesting in vegans and bariatric patientsLesson 4Vitamin D testing: 25-hydroxyvitamin D interpretation and factors affecting levelsCovers 25-hydroxyvitamin D as best status marker, normal ranges, and clinical cut-offs. Reviews sun exposure, body fat, poor absorption, and medicines affecting levels, plus testing frequency and safe limits.
Vitamin D metabolism and storageAssay types and common lab variabilityDeficiency, insufficiency, and toxicity rangesImpact of obesity, age, and skin pigmentationDrugs, malabsorption, and disease statesLesson 5Glucose-related tests: fasting glucose, HbA1c, oral glucose tolerance test — when to use each for insulin resistance and diabetes riskCompares fasting glucose, HbA1c, and sugar load tests for blood sugar, insulin resistance, and diabetes risk. Addresses sample issues, diagnosis cut-offs, and nutrition changes affecting results.
Glucose homeostasis and insulin actionFasting glucose: uses and limitationsHbA1c: advantages and confoundersOral glucose tolerance test indicationsUsing results to guide nutrition careLesson 6Micronutrient panels and targeted tests: magnesium, zinc, iron-binding capacity, RBC folate, and indications for orderingDiscusses when to order single micronutrient tests or broad panels, focusing on magnesium, zinc, iron-binding, and red cell folate. Considers cost, clinical value, and groups at higher shortage risk.
Indications for targeted micronutrient testsSerum vs RBC magnesium and zincIron-binding capacity and transferrin useRBC folate vs serum folate selectionHigh-risk groups for deficienciesLesson 7Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)/Basic metabolic panel: interpretation for nutrition (electrolytes, liver, kidney, albumin)Outlines CMP and BMP parts, stressing salts, kidney and liver markers, and albumin. Shows how fluids, protein intake, and liver or kidney issues change values and affect nutrition decisions.
Electrolytes and acid–base cluesKidney markers: BUN, creatinine, eGFRLiver enzymes and cholestasis markersAlbumin and total protein limitationsHydration status and lab interpretationLesson 8Iron panel: serum iron, ferritin, transferrin/TSAT — physiology, diagnostic use, and limitations in inflammationDetails iron movement and storage, linking serum iron, ferritin, transferrin, and TSAT to shortages and excess. Highlights inflammation, infection, and long-term illness as confounders and guides test choice.
Iron absorption and transport overviewSerum iron, TIBC, and transferrin basicsFerritin and TSAT in deficiency diagnosisAnemia of chronic disease vs iron lackInterpreting iron tests during infectionLesson 9Inflammation and related markers: CRP, ESR and effects on nutrient biomarkers (eg ferritin)Describes CRP and ESR as signs of body-wide inflammation and how they affect nutrient markers like ferritin and albumin. Guides testing timing, understanding in chronic illness, and impact on nutrition plans.
CRP vs ESR: physiology and kineticsInflammation effects on ferritin and ironAlbumin, prealbumin, and acute phase shiftsInterpreting labs in chronic inflammationTiming tests around acute illnessLesson 10Lipid profile and advanced lipid testing: total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and non-HDL cholesterolReviews standard fat profile parts and heart relevance, introducing non-HDL cholesterol and select advanced markers. Discusses diet, weight, and metabolic syndrome shaping fat patterns and risk.
Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglyceridesNon-HDL cholesterol and ApoB conceptsFasting vs nonfasting lipid measurementsDietary patterns and lipid responsesAdvanced tests: particle number and size
